Summer can be a busy time for Walt Disney World and this year is no different. With many different attractions opening, Walt Disney World has so much in store. Whether you are a Disney first timer or a seasoned pro, you'll find plenty of new rides and shows to keep the magic going!
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| Photo courtesy of Disney |
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is going to be the place to be this summer, with so many changes ahead of next year's scheduled opening of Pandora-The World of Avatar. With soon to be expanded park hours, there will be more to do after the sun goes down on the safari.
Rivers of Light will be the latest nighttime spectacular to join Disney's already amazing lineup of shows. Combining live performers, water screens and other special effects, this show celebrates the beauty of nature.
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| Photo courtesy of Disney |
The Rivers of Light show will go hand in hand with the Tree of Life Awakenings. At the heart of Animal Kingdom, watch as the tree is transformed through the evening with light shows and projections.
You can also join in the fun through the streets of Animal Kingdom with the Discovery Island Carnivale and the Harambe Wildlife Parti.
Epcot
Two attractions at Epcot were closed for refurbishment and re-imagining, the popular Soarin' and Maelstrom. Both will be back this summer with some big changes.
Soarin'(over California) will be both re-imagined and expanded, adding a third theater. No longer will you just be Soarin' over California, new scenes have been shot from around the world, flying over some of the most popular destinations.
Maelstrom in Norway has been closed for some time and will re-open as Frozen Ever After, a journey through Arendelle, with music and characters from the slightly(ok, more than slightly) popular movie Frozen.
Moving back to Epcot from the Magic Kingdom, the Anna and Elsa meet and greet will be available at the Royal Sommerhus in Norway.
Other new character meet and greets are already happening at the Character Spot in Epcot, with Baymax from Big Hero 6 moving from Hollywood Studios, as well as Joy and Sadness from Inside Out.
Hollywood Studios
Summer awakens as the Force awakens at Hollywood Studios this summer. If you are a Star Wars fan, this is the place to be! Having done away with Star Wars weekends after last year, Hollywood Studios still has plenty going on for you Jedi and your younglings.
Jedi Training: Trails of the Temple, will offer a new training experience for younglings ages 4-12. If you aren't familiar with Jedi Training or how to get in, check out our handy guide here. This super popular interactive show will feature new forces from the dark side, with the introduction of the Seventh Sister and Kylo Ren(members of the dark side will vary based on who is busy blowing up different planets in the galaxy).
Replacing the Animation Pavilion is Star Wars Launch Bay. Here you can catch Storm Troopers guarding the entrance, props from the movies and characters like Chewbacca and Kylo Ren.
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| Darth Vader is out, Kylo Ren is in. Sorry Lord Vader. |
You can also catch Symphony of the Stars, the nightly fireworks show recently introduced, set to the music from Star Wars. It's an amazing show(my personal favorite) that will only become even more amazing when Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular begins this summer.
Magic Kingdom
A new castle show will debut at the Magic Kingdom park. Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire will feature Mickey and the gang as well as characters from Frozen, Tangled and the Princess and the Frog.
There is also plenty to do outside of the parks, from the water parks, to the ever expanding Disney Springs, offering tons of new shopping and dining experiences.
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| Photo courtesy of Disney |
If you've been thinking about a trip to Disney this summer, it's definitely the right time to go! Aside from everything new and improved the Walt Disney World resort is offering, there are also great summer discounts available! Now you can save up to 30% on select Disney resorts for most stays June 12-August 25. You also have the chance to grab an exclusive BB8 Magic Band with your vacation package.
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| Photo courtesy of Disney |
Contact your favorite Marvelous Mouse Travel Agent to learn even more about how you can awaken your summer!
